Godsick leaving IMG after he was reportedly unable to reach new contract

Tony Godsick has resigned from IMG, and his main client, Roger Federer, is no longer under contract with the agency, IMG Senior VP/Corporate Communications Jim Gallagher said. Gallagher offered no reason for the departures. Godsick has been an agent at IMG for 19 years, and Federer a client for nearly a decade, during which time he became the world’s top paid tennis endorser. “Roger is an icon in the world of sports, a gentleman, a terrific guy, a great champion and we have been honored and proud to have served him for so many years with incredible success,” Gallagher said. “And we look forward to working with Roger again in the future, we hope.” He added of Godsick, “Tony is a great guy and we thank him for his outstanding service of 19 years and we wish him continued great success in the future.” The big question is where Godsick is going, and will Federer follow. Godsick did not return calls or e-mails seeking comment. He is good friends with Mark Steinberg, Tiger Woods’ agent. Steinberg left IMG less than a year ago for Excel Sports Management, and talk among tennis agents is a similar move could be afoot. An Excel spokesperson denied Godsick was about to join the firm. Another landing spot could be CAA Sports, which sources said has long been looking for a high profile head of tennis. One tennis agent, Allon Khakshouri, recently resigned from CAA. The agency represents world No. 1-ranked player Novak Djokovic and No. 4-ranked Andy Murray for oncourt fees. A CAA spokesperson could not immediately be reached for comment. Federer, who played Friday at the French Open, signed with IMG in '05 after being personally recruited by late company Owner Ted Forstmann. Federer started his career with IMG before repping himself for a brief period in '03. Sources said Godsick could not reach an agreement with IMG on a new contract. The departure is not expected to affect IMG’s bottom line, in part because the fees from Federer’s existing deals would continue to flow to the agency.